"Janitor Frank" takes pride in his work

Janitor Frank

Dec. 1, 2006

Written by

CHRIS RUTLEDGE

While roaming the halls of Brick Memorial High School throughout the day you notice a lot of things, including friends talking, couples in the corner, teachers performing their duties and more.

One thing you do not see is garbage in the halls or how much effort goes into keeping the school clean. This job is done by many people, but one who stands out to most is Frank DiCarlo, better known as Janitor Frank to the student body.

DiCarlo, 62, who grew up in Bergen County before moving to Brick 29 years ago, starts his work day at 5:30 a.m. when he arrives at Brick Memorial. While here, he cleans the halls and the bathrooms, cleans up spills, makes minor repairs, delivers packages and handles lunchroom duties.

DiCarlo studied art at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck and majored in graphic design. He had jobs in advertising. Also, he worked 20 years as a printer in a press room and made plates for the press. After getting tired of the pressure and commuting four hours round trip, DiCarlo decided to start two businesses: a landscaping service and a house and office-cleaning business. Both businesses lasted seven years.

After 27 years of traveling to and from work, DiCarlo finally decided to become a janitor. He worked at Drum Point Elementary School and at Brick Township High School before coming to Brick Memorial High School in 1991.

He started here working from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and after about eight years became a day janitor.

"I'm a janitor and I enjoy doing my job" DiCarlo says.

DiCarlo also says he works to the best of his ability every day.

"I love Frank, he's really funny and he is the best janitor in the whole world," says Kelly DelleDonne, 17, a junior.

"Janitor Frank is not just a janitor but rather an inspiration to students everywhere," says Rob Manzie, 17, senior. "His easy-going personality really has the students loving him."

DiCarlo appreciates being appreciated.

"It's wonderful," he says. "I'm complimented when the students say such nice things."

Faculty members of the Physical Education Department agree DiCarlo is a good guy and always willing to lend a helping hand.

"Frank is the most popular janitor and an all-around good guy," says Principal Robert Anderson.

DiCarlo likes to spend time taking photographs, woodworking, painting, traveling and admiring old cars. He also likes to spend time with his wife of 29 years, Elizabeth, and his daughter Dominique, 24.